Norwich gas bills jump 20% as frigid winter drives up usage

NPU officials explain how long-term contracts and on-site LNG storage help soften price spikes

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Norwich Public Utilities customers are seeing roughly 20% higher natural gas bills after one of the coldest winters in a decade drove up usage. Utility officials explain how long-term gas contracts and an on-site LNG storage plant help keep supply reliable and soften price spikes, even when frigid temperatures and volatile markets push demand to extremes.

Why it matters

The sharp increase in gas bills has impacted many Norwich residents during the cold winter months, highlighting the challenges utilities face in managing price volatility and ensuring reliable supply, especially for essential home heating needs.

The details

NPU officials say the 20% jump in natural gas bills is due to one of the coldest winters in a decade, which drove up usage and demand. However, the utility's long-term gas contracts and on-site liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage plant have helped soften the impact of price spikes in the volatile energy market.

  • The cold winter that drove up natural gas usage occurred over the past few months.

The players

Norwich Public Utilities (NPU)

The municipal utility that provides natural gas, electricity, and water services to the city of Norwich, Connecticut.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges utilities face in managing energy price volatility and ensuring reliable supply, especially for essential home heating needs during extreme weather. NPU's use of long-term contracts and on-site storage has helped soften the impact on customers, but the sharp rise in bills underscores the importance of utilities having robust strategies to mitigate price spikes.